Are NATO members the EU itself or the EU member states?
NATO members are the individual member states, not the EU as an institution.
What is the main role of NATO compared to the EU?
it focuses on MILITARY DEFENSE, while the EU focuses on economic integration through the SINGLE MARKET
What is strategic autonomy in the EU context?
Reforms can occur through
- EU legislation
- policy coordination
- institutional practices
Why has EU integration continued even without new treaties since 2009?
Reforms can occur through
- EU legislation
- policy coordination
- institutional practices
Why can external threats strengthen European unity?
Because countries need to pool their resources and cooperate to respond effectively.
When does European integration usually advance?
When cooperation becomes necessary to SOLVE COMMON CHALLENGES AND THREATS.
Why do populist movements sometimes oppose European integration?
Because they emphasize national sovereignty, identity, and independence from supranational institutions.
What characterizes the long-term evolution of European integration?
A continuous balance between unity and diversity among European states.
Who ultimately holds power in the EU system?
member states
Why does the EU use a system of separation of powers?
to keep checks and balances and avoid autoracy
Why does the EU divide power between multiple institutions?
name 2 reasons
to create checks and balances and prevent autocracy
What does a veto mean in EU decision-making?
A veto means a single member state can block a decision in certain policy areas.
Why do France and Germany often have strong influence in the EU?
Because of their
- large economies
- large populations
- historically important political leaders in European Integration
Why should there be limits to unity in European integration?
Because excessive centralization could lead to AUTOCRACY and LOSS OF NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CONTROL
What does autocratism mean in a political system?
system where one single central authority holds all the power
Why does the EU try to balance unity and diversity?
maintain cooperation while making sure member states keep their national sovereignty and democratic control
When did European integration first introduce supranational institutions?
With the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1951 (treaty of Brussels)
What did the Brussels (Merger) Treaty do?
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The European Parliament.
- Represents EU citizens
- Makes laws together with the council
- Supervises de European commission
European Commission
- Executive body of the EU
- proposes EU legislation, implements EU policies, ensures EU treaties are respected
European Council
- EU leaders (presidents and prime ministers)
- defines the political direction and priorities of the EU
3 institutions and laws
European Commission: proposes laws
European parliament: vote on laws
Council of the EU: vote on laws
Council of European Union
- national minister (depends on the topic)
- makes laws with European parliament
Court of justice of the European Union
- EU court
- ensures EU laws are followed and interpreted correctly
